Oshawa music group entertains, helps all ages

Kidz Muzik program prepares for end-of-year concert and fundraiser

Kidz Muzik

Sabrina Byrnes / Metroland

OSHAWA -- Tyler and Brittany Wright performed during the Kidz Muzic program held at the Simcoe Hall Settlement House. Kidz Muzik is a volunteer-driven music program for underprivileged youth in Durham Region. Nearing the end of its 14th year, the program is preparing for its season finale, a major fundraising opportunity, in May. April 16, 2014

Kidz Muzik

Sabrina Byrnes / Metroland

OSHAWA -- Kendra Richardson performed during the Kidz Muzic program held at the Simcoe Hall Settlement House. Kidz Muzik is a volunteer-driven music program for underprivileged youth in Durham Region. Nearing the end of its 14th year the program is preparing for its season finale, a major fundraising opportunity, in May. April 16, 2014

Kidz Muzik

Sabrina Byrnes / Metroland

OSHAWA -- Volunteer Tabatha Duff performed during the Kidz Muzic program held at the Simcoe Hall Settlement House. Kidz Muzik is a volunteer-driven music program for underprivileged youth in Durham Region. Nearing the end of its 14th year the program is preparing for its season finale, a major fundraising opportunity, in May. April 16, 2014

Kidz Muzik

Sabrina Byrnes / Metroland

OSHAWA -- Joy Vanderteems performed during the Kidz Muzic program held at the Simcoe Hall Settlement House. Kidz Muzik is a volunteer-driven music program for underprivileged youth in Durham Region. Nearing the end of its 14th year the program is preparing for its season finale, a major fundraising opportunity, in May. April 16, 2014

OSHAWA -- It's almost like a gathering at someone's house. People sitting around on chairs and couches, children laughing as they dart in and out among them. Then guitarists start playing, a piano player joins in and adults and kids alike burst into song. This is the Kidz Muzik program and the change from an informal gathering to a concert-like atmosphere is amazing.

They only perform two songs but it's good practise for their upcoming final show. The program offers underprivileged children the chance to express themselves through music.

Yet it has gone beyond that.

Joyce Squires started Kidz Muzik about 14 years ago with her sister and it's grown to become as much about the music as offering support to those who need it.

"We know the stories, we don't talk about them here; this is supposed to be a happy place and when they come in we want them to forget about everything else in their life and have a focus," says Squires. "I find music a great place to put your energy and focus into." Many of the adults involved were once members as children. Tabatha Duff started coming 13 years ago and the 21 year old is now a volunteer.

"It's awesome to see the kids learn confidence and self esteem and to see them grow as people," says Duff.

When the group breaks up into smaller groups, some gather for piano or guitar lessons while Duff heads upstairs with the singers. As she claps and urges on whomever is singing, Duff demonstrates some of the support the group has given her. The program helped her through hard times in her youth, something she wants to do for the current group of youngsters.

"I keep coming back for them, they're my motivation," she says.

Joy Vanderteems, another volunteer, started coming six years ago and the 18-year musician praises Kidz Muzik for a different reason.

"To get into music is really expensive and most people won't teach you out of the goodness of their heart," says Vanderteems, who was classically trained.

It's hard to avoid attention though. When Tye Biley started in the program he was so shy he wouldn't sing in front of the others without wearing a mask. Two years later the 11 year old not only sings in front of a crowd, he's also strumming a guitar under a volunteer's watchful eye.

"I've gotten used to singing here now," says Tye, who is still a little shy.

"I just like singing here because it makes feel like I'm at home when I'm singing with a bunch of people."

Despite the dedicated group of adults the program draws in, there's still not enough to meet demand.

In the corner of the room sits an unused drum kit, with no volunteers to teach others how to use it.

It's an issue Squires hopes can change. She herself sees being involved in Kidz Muzik as the type of legacy she'd love to leave for others.

"When you give to others it's the best way to find out who you really are and give your life worth," says Squires.

The Kidz Muzik final is Wednesday, May 14 at 7:30 p.m. at Class Act Dinner Theatre, 104 Consumers Dr, Whitby. It is free to attend but the group welcomes donations. More information can be found on its Facebook event page, Simcoe Hall Kidz Muzik Program Fundraiser Concert.